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The Mets held their annual Kids Holiday Party on Tuesday at Citi Field, and several players – Daniel (Santa) Murphy, Jonathon Niese and Justin Turner – as well as general manager Sandy Alderson – were in attendance.

With backup catcher Ronny Paulino being non-tendered at the midnight deadline on Monday, Alderson was asked if that move signified that Mike Nickeas could assume that role behind Josh Thole for the upcoming season.

That Triple-A catcher Alderson mentioned is Lucas May whom the Mets just signed. May played for two organizations in 2011 – Arizona and Kansas City – and in 248 combined AB, hit .238 with 10 HR and 44 RBI.

Along with May, the Mets also claimed RHP Jeremy Hefner off waivers from the Pirates. Hefner – who was drafted twice previously by the Mets – went 9-7 with a 4.98 ERA in 28 Triple-A starts this past season. In addition, the club also signed journeyman LHP Garrett Olson. Alderson is definitely looking for rotation depth on the waiver wire or the non-tender list, but there is a hitch.

Turner’s role is less defined for 2012, but he will likely come off the bench to back up at second and the corners. How did he feel about last year’s sometime double-play partner – Jose Reyes – leaving and going to a division rival in Miami?

Turner hit the wall toward the end of the 2011 season. This was a guy who had all of 35 total major league AB in the previous two seasons combined, yet played in 117 games last year with 435 AB. Turner’s taking precautions that he’ll have plenty of gas left in the tank this year.